Accessibility
Des Moines (DSM) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Des Moines International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair assistance when booking or through your airline at check-in; curbside-to-gate wheelchair service at DSM is provided by G2 Secure Staff, reachable directly at (515) 256-5500.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the DSM security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before you fly (weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET, weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) to arrange for a Passenger Support Specialist to meet you at the checkpoint.
Security lanes
DSM does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
A fenced pet/service-animal relief area (with a mock fire hydrant) is outside the terminal by the parking garage, north of the skywalk — this is a pre-security location only; no dedicated post-security relief area is confirmed.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
DSM does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. DSM has no dedicated sensory or quiet room, but the airport was one of the first in Iowa to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (launched December 2024) — pick up a free sunflower lanyard or pin (available at Broadlawns Medical Center, ChildServe, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Sunflower program's website) to discreetly signal staff that you may need extra patience or assistance. The Mamava nursing pod just past the TSA checkpoint, across from the DSM Police desk, can also serve as a quiet space in a pinch.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
No dedicated wheelchair rental counter is advertised; wheelchairs are provided free through G2 Secure Staff (515-256-5500) from curbside through boarding — request via your airline or call ahead of your trip.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
DSM's small, compact layout makes accessibility logistics simple — request wheelchair assistance with your airline at booking, and if you or a companion has a non-visible disability, ask about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program lanyard so staff know to offer extra support without you needing to explain.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at DSM airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at DSM is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from DSM?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the DSM security checkpoint at no cost.
Does DSM airport have a family security lane?
Des Moines International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. DSM does not publicize a dedicated family/special-assistance security lane. With only two checkpoints total (one for Concourse A, one for Concourse C), ask any TSA officer at either checkpoint for expedited or additional assistance.
Where is the service animal relief area at DSM airport?
A fenced pet/service-animal relief area (with a mock fire hydrant) is outside the terminal by the parking garage, north of the skywalk — this is a pre-security location only; no dedicated post-security relief area is confirmed. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: DSM TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · DSM security tips
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